Safe Decorating for the Holidays | Teems Electric

For many of us, the first cool fall breeze has us headed to storage to get out the fake pumpkins and orange and brown decorations. Sure, we will still see our share of 80-degree days, but we will see them with a Pumpkin Spice-flavored something in our hands.

This is such a fun time of year as we head into all things holidays. But with the lights, figurines and blow-ups that look like a pile of trash bags during the day, this time of year also comes with an increased risk of electrical hazards.

Fortunately, you can still enjoy being the neighborhood Griswolds when you practice safety.

The Right Product in the Right Place

The best step you can take in decorating safely is following manufacturer guidelines on your products. While most string lights are rated for both indoor and outdoor use these days, if you have older models, only use them where appropriate or consider replacing them.

You should also replace any electronic products that have frayed wiring and only purchase products that have been accredited by a certification agency.

For your outdoor decorations, make sure they are only plugged into extension cords rated for the outdoors. Avoid stretching them across driveways and keep them out of puddles.

With all your decorations indoor and out, don’t overload your outlets. If you do not already have one, a whole home surge protector may be a smart upgrade as you demand more out of your home power.

Simple steps can always go a long way in protection, including keeping decorations away from open flames and unplugging everything at night or when you are away from home.

Go Energy-Efficient

It’s likely that your energy bill is always higher during the colder months, and heating your home isn’t all to blame. Running the additional holiday decorations can cause a real drain on your resources, but you can make energy-efficient choices in order to keep you costs from skyrocketing.

Opt for LED light strands and a power source that can be set on a timer. Not only do these kinds of lights require less power, but using a timer to turn them off and back on ensures you aren’t waking up to a glowing snowman out your window every night.

If you haven’t already, go get some decorations out and start enjoying the season. And even though they may not look great during the day, the kids love those blow-ups, so plug them in to a grounded, outdoor-rated outlet and enjoy their smiles.

Ready to make your home energy-efficient? Contact us today.